Rest and Regenerate

Have you ever found yourself being “go go go” whether it be a sport or work task?  Something you once loved, you now find you resentful towards? The thoughts “I just need to be  done so I can be free” start to creep in?  

 We live in an age where #hustle culture is praised and sought after. Where we are told  that our highest form of value to the world is our work or how productive we are. Though we as  humans are able to mentally and physically adapt to stress, it cannot happen without taking time  to rest. The disconnect that occurs by the idea of hustle culture is that growth happens the more  and more we exert ourselves. When in reality growth comes as we allow ourselves to be in a  period of stress, that is quickly followed by a period rest.  

 Rest is regeneration.  

 Regeneration of the mind, body and soul. We know that the recovery period after a  strenuous workout is crucial for muscles to repair and fight the inflammation that has been built  up. Rest between sessions be it workout or stressful task allows the inevitable burnout. When we  don’t stop to take a break we may notice some changes start to creep in to our daily life, such as,  lack of excitement, feeling more and more fatigued, feeling a sense of failure/self-doubt,  detachment, maybe even frustrated—all of these are signs of a burnout.  

 Allowing rest to be an integral part of your life will prevent these changes from creeping  in. Burnout and fatigue are not our friends and only impede on our growth as an individual and  athletes. Rest and relaxation help us to recover before we reach burnout.  

 Protect your physical and mental health by implementing rest. Make sure you are paying  attention to things and places you are in when alignment takes place. Protect that space; those  things that bring joy into your life. 

 After all, it’s not about how much we do, but about how thoughtfully we are doing them.  Here are 3 tips to help you prioritize rest:  

1. Unplug. Let your mind rest from the comparison game the never ending news that is social  media. Unplug and go within. How are you feeling? What was the highlight of your day?  2. Start your day with 1 intention. Pick a word an action and let that be your guide for how you  hope the day will lead you.  

3. Journal. Get it out, all of the emotions, fears, stress—you don’t have to hold on to that  energy within. Put it on paper and on a shelf. Throw it away if you don’t want anyone to see,  but acknowledge each and every thought/feeling. Lean into what they are trying to  communicate with you and let that be your guide for how you will choose to move forward.   What are some ways you can allow yourself to rest today?